Activists accuse the government of heavy-handed tactics and discrimination
Savio and Pratima Coutinho briefing the media after appearing at the Fatorda Police Station on Friday.
Photo Credits: Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
Fatorda Police Station’s decision to summon the husband-wife duo of Savio and Pratima Coutinho, besides other accused during the Christmas festive season in connection with the agitation demanding the arrest of Subhash Velingkar, sparked outrage and condemnation from the protestors.
Savio slammed the police as he demanded to know why BJP leaders, including Margao Municipal Councillor, have not been booked or summoned for interrogation in connection with the case. “The people of Goa had hit the streets after their sentiments were hurt by Velingkar’s tirade against St. Francis Xavier. Similarly, BJP leader Manohar Ajgaonkar, besides Margao Municipal Councillors Camilo Baretto and others, had also hit the streets since their sentiments were also hurt. But, the government and the police have conveniently not booked the BJP leaders,” Savio told the media after making his presence before the Fatorda police.
Expressing surprise over the decision of the police to charge the people for rioting, Savio said that while the police were quick to charge the citizens with rioting, those who were instrumental in provoking the people to take to the streets have gone scot-free.
Pratima wondered why the police could not wait for the Christmas festive season to come to an end before issuing notices to the citizens to visit the police station. “As law-abiding citizens, we have responded to the notice. But, it is clear that the government is working in a dictatorial manner,” she said.
As Pratima was called to the police station, activists, including activist Anthony D’Silva, rallied behind her by expressing their solidarity. D’Silva told the media that this is the first time that a government is working worse than the Salazar regime.
The Fatorda police have charged around 500 persons under section 189(2)(3), (5), 285, 223(a)(b), 126(2), 125, 324(1), 132, 115(2) R/W 191(2) of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita-2023.
Besides, the protestors have been charged under section 8B of The National Highway Act and section 92 of The Rights of Persons With Disabilities Act, 2016.
